Don't build Carmel gas station above precious water supply

There has been a persistent proposal to establish a new gas station on a parcel of land that overlies one of the most valuable groundwater resources in the state of Indiana. The proposed business on the corner of 146th Street and River Road is immediately adjacent to wells that provide water to some of the fastest-growing parts of the metro area. Based on my 20 years of experience working to protect community water supplies, I believe this is a bad idea. The water in this aquifer is critical to jobs, growth and our ability to withstand drought. Public policy needs to be consistent with these facts.

Last year, in the depths of the drought, Central Indiana water utilities were able to pump their wells at high rates to make up for the lack of rain. This explains why new wells are being installed as fast as the drillers can put them in the ground. Agriculture, power producers and municipal suppliers are all interested in having enough water to last through these dry spells. Groundwater stored in aquifers is what we use to make up the difference between drinking water supply and demand during drought. The region relies on the 70 million gallons per day (MGD) of pumping capacity in Hamilton County (surrounding the proposed gas station) to fuel growth. To put this into perspective, 70 MGD is about half of the average daily system needs of the Indianapolis water supply system.

There are two broad ways that we can damage this precious resource: pump too much or accidentally contaminate the aquifers. For the past two decades I have worked to review and produce wellhead protection programs for communities to avoid contamination. Difficult decisions need to be made about the risk that can be tolerated from local businesses and land use. The historically contaminating activities and businesses gas stations, dry cleaners and sewage lagoons are usually not allowed near existing municipal supply wells. This makes sense. The risk is far too high and the benefits are almost always too low.

If the state and the region are going to grow, the public needs to recognize the importance of water to our economy. We have enough water only if we manage the resource and protect what is under our feet. Given the vulnerability of this sand and gravel aquifer to releases and the fact that engineering cannot eliminate the risks of leaks, the City of Carmel needs to say no.

Jack Wittman

Bloomington

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Don't build Carmel gas station above precious water supply

There has been a persistent proposal to establish a new gas station on a parcel of land that overlies one of the most valuable groundwater resources in the state of Indiana.